The city’s streets are evolving yet again with the addition of these fantastic new venues.
They say variety is the spice of life and these new businesses set to open up shop in Leeds are adding that bit more flavour to the city. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or simply in search of a new spot for a wellness reset, there’s something for everyone amongst these new businesses opening in Leeds. Which are you looking forward to the most?
The Smithfield
Credit: The Smithfield
The former Reliance gastropub is getting a dazzling new lease on life as The Smithfield. The venue has been completely refurbished and re-named, but is set to retain its status as a true foodie gem, promising quality dishes and a great atmosphere in its new iteration. The sample menu boasts unique, standout combinations like braised lamb shoulder, pearl barley and salsa verde as well as a chocolate terrine with a brandy snap that we can’t wait to try. Make sure you book a table quickly, as this is guaranteed to be a new favourite spot for food lovers across the city.
The Smithfield will open on 76-78 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN on Wednesday 16th April 2026.
Buckle Up Cowgirl
Prepare for a wild ride as Leeds gets its first-ever rodeo experience, complete with a mechanical bull! Buckle Up Cowgirl is a social experience bar opening in the former Playroom venue, conceived as a passion project by two friends who are documenting the redesign on Instagram. They’re calling it ‘gamified socialising’, designed specifically to help you break the ice and make new friends while you test your cowboy skills. Saddle up, there’s a new rodeo in town and it deserves a place on your night out rotation!
Buckle Up Cowgirl will open at the Electric Press, 14 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 3DW, on Friday 24th April 2026.
Silver’s Bakehouse
Credit: © Copyright Leeds-List 2026
If you’re a fan of the legendary Silver’s Deli, get ready for their latest offshoot, Silver’s Bakehouse. Heading to Farsley in May, this new spot will be serving up all manner of delicious baked goods. Think giant, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, satisfying sausage rolls with buttery, flakey pastry and soft slices of focaccia pizza loaded with your favourite toppings. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Silver’s has to offer. Get ready Farsley residents, this bakehouse is destined to be your new go-to for quality comfort food.
Silver’s Bakehouse will open on Town Street, Farsley, LS28 5LF in May 2026.
Kontrast
Credit: Kontrast
Following a successful launch in Manchester, Britain’s first sauna and ice bath café, Kontrast, is coming to Leeds. Opening in Saxton Gardens, this is a place dedicated to recalibrating your body and fostering community. It provides a unique opportunity to take time away from the daily rigamarole and look after your mental and physical wellbeing, all within a low-pressure environment far removed from your average high-intensity fitness space. Sweat out the stress in the sauna, slow your heart rate with a cold plunge and then unwind with a bite to eat in the café– that’s our idea of an ideal wellness weekend.
Kontrast will open in Saxton Gardens, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8FR in Spring 2026.
Açaí and the Tribe
The viral brunch sensation, Açai and the Tribe, is opening its fifth UK venue right here in Leeds, landing on Vicar Lane this Spring. Their vibrant menu is built around the açaí berry, the superfood known as Brazil’s beauty berry that has taken the world by storm. Bringing a taste of the Amazon to the urban centre, you can grab wonderful ready-made bowls like When in Rio, PBJ, and (our personal favourite) Hot Date which comes topped with cacao granola, strawberries, chia, nutella and dates. You can also build your own custom creation using top-quality organic açaí berry as the base.
Açaí and the Tribe will open on 88 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7NL in Spring 2026.
Strong Pilates
Leeds is about to welcome a new state of the art pilates studio. Strong Pilates is an international fitness brand focusing on high-energy, low-impact exercise that combines traditional mat work with specialist reformer machines. If you’re looking for a fresh challenge to boost your core strength and overall fitness, Strong Pilates will provide a dynamic and modern approach to training. It’s not all about the physical here either, while fine-tuning your body, Strong classes will help you train the agility of your mind and foster supportive friendships so you can get more out of your life as a whole.
Strong Pilates will be opening at The Majestic, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2HT soon.
Cover image credit: Kontrast
